BENJI: ARABS PALS READY TO TAKE LEAD
BENJI SIEGRIST reckons the Dundee United squad is strong enough to be let off the leash in the Premiership next season as the players are so close even their pets are pals.
The Tanandice keeper is hoping gaffer Robbie Neilson doesn’t tinker too much with the winning formula that helped his side cruise the Championship last term.
All of the United players live in and around Dundee on club orders and it’s helped them forge a bond.
Swiss star Siegrist said: “We do a lot of things together off the pitch. All the players know each other’s families, wives and girlfriends – and dogs!
“A certain chemistry is also built off the pitch. We hang out together, we live close to each other.
“It definitely helped us and that was part of our successful recipe.
“Team spirit can’t be underappreciated next to the tactics and all the capabilities of the big players we have.
“The team works, we know it does after winning the Championship.
“Every team is looking in every transfer window to add some pieces here and there but I think we
BY MICHAEL GANNON have a great group of lads. We have a core of leaders and players who can step up another level.
“Like any team, you want your core guys to be there and the good thing about us is it’s not just two or three people.
“We have 11 or 15 players who can step up and perform well. That’s what stood out last year.
“We had injuries but we always ground out a result with people chipping in and playing well.
“It’s hugely important and it comes from the camaraderie we have.
“On the tough days, that makes you stick together a little bit more.”
Siegrist is relieved to be out of the Championship after two seasons on Tayside following his move from Vaduz.
The season is likely to kick-off behind closed doors but he’s already dreaming about big crowds. He said: “The cup games against Hibs were amazing and we knew that, if we went up to the Premiership, that’s what it would be like more often.
“We want that every weekend as it was a good experience.”